I bought this based on the great reviews but I had some problems. I bought the one in the light golden bottle, called the mild version for sensitive skin. It is supposed to be alcohol and fragrance free. It was very drying so I did use over moisturizer and my finacea (Rx for rosacea) but it still felt irritating and my face felt itchy but it was a mild itchiness that I could ignore. At first.

But my neck was a different story. I realized my neck was bothered by the Anessa so I quit putting it on my neck but somehow it would migrate to my neck through transfer from my hands but it was enough to make my neck break out in a rash each time I wore the sunscreen. The rash got so bad I had to use a cortisone cream.

I tried to keep it away from my neck but it was impossible and soon my face was itching too bad to keep using the SS. It is too bad because this had a very nice dry feeling and did not break me out, just caused rash and dry skin. Considering how drying this mild version was I cannot imagine a version with alcohol in it.

his is a fantastic light, liquid sunscreen. It does dry my skin, so I need to apply moisturizer prior. Good waterproof protection. So far has not broken out my skin. I use DHC oil or Dermalogica Precleanse to remove it. I was lucky to find it in an Asian cosmetics shop in Texas.

Currently there are 2 main types of Anessa sunscreen, indicated by gold and silver packaging. The gold type (Perfect UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster) is “super waterproof” and has a silky, light finish. The silver type (Essence UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster) is “waterproof” and extra moisturizing with a dewier finish. Both gold and silver are supposed to come off easily with regular soap or face wash, and currently also come in mild and facial formulations as well. (The basic gold and silver types are OK for both face and body use)

If I could have only one sunscreen for the rest of my life, it would be the basic gold one. It comes out really oily and the first time I tried it I thought I had made a terrible mistake, but within a minute the oil completely sank into my skin and left a silky, smooth, natural finish that was neither too dewy nor too matte. It balances my combination skin, calming the oily areas and protecting the dry areas, and caused no breakouts or other negative reactions. My makeup goes on easily over it, and it seems like it has something of a pore-smoothing primer effect. I would recommend the gold type for normal weather, and/or oily to combination skin.

I’ve also tried the silver facial type. I bought it during the height of summer and it was much too moist at that time. It sat on top of my skin like a thick wall of glossy slime and even though it didn't cause any breakouts I hated the way it felt. Fast forward to December when the temperature dropped below freezing and there was no humidity in the air, and this thick rich silver sunscreen came into its own. It gently hugs my skin and shields it from the elements like the loving hands of angels. The finish is no longer shiny, it’s natural, and it stays balanced all day long. The silver type is excellent for extremely dry weather and/or dry skin.

This sunscreen has been number 1 very hyped Asian sunscreen for many years. It recently became available in two different versions. Golden bottle (product preview or third picture) - Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster SPF50+ PA++++Light gold bottle (second picture) - Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster Mild SPF50+ PA++++The difference between two is huge, mild one formulated for sensitive skins, doesn't have alcohol, mineral oils, fragrance or preservatives among ingredients. The original formula is super waterproof.

Like an idiot, I've managed to check an English version of the ingredients list for a Mild formula but bought an original one. It's very watery, a pleasure to apply, and it doesn't leave a white cast. It's 80 min water resistant and easy to reapply. It will remove any shine from the face.I have sensitive dehydrated skin and high alcohol content from the original formula badly dried it out till the deepest layers (at least that how it feels). I'm very sensitive to Isopropyl Myristate, so now I have clogged pores and pimples. I think it's an amazing product for people with an oily non-sensitive skin, but I will purchase a sensitive skin version and review it later. For now, I can't give it more than 3 stars.

UPDATE: Sensitive skin version - Anessa Perfect UV Sunscreen Aqua Booster Mild SPF50+ PA++++WOW! My search for a facial sunscreen is over. I used it daily for a month now, so I feel confident to write an update.- the mild version is a bit thicker than the original formula, but there is also no white cast;- it's non-drying, even if used without moisturizer underneath;- no oily residue whatsoever if I use it without moisturizer underneath;- no clogged pores;- no irritation;- works great under makeup. AMAZING product! HG! Must have from now on.

UPDATE April 10th 2018:This sunscreen (at least it's Sensitive skin version since I can't bare the dryness of the original formula) doesn't work under the sun. It was great during the winter, but my face becomes really red and irritated after 2 hours outdoor walk and it's only the beginning of April. I live in Northern California and this sunscreen doesn't do the job even here. My husband took it for a ski trip in the Alps and got burned. I regret repurchasing it. This is a good sunscreen only for at the office days. Doesn't worth considering for summer.

I heard about this sunscreen from Bois de Jasmin's blog earlier this summer. Anessa Perfect UV is a great sunscreen, albeit a bit pricey compared to other Japanese sunscreens. It has a runny consistency and needs to be shaken properly before application. Dries to a matte, comfortable finish and stays on all day until removal. I double-cleanse with Clinique's Take the Day Off Cleansing Balm followed by either Cerave hydrating or foaming cleanser to make sure it is properly removed, and have had no problems.

I'm in Canada and purchased a bottle from eBay for about $16. Shipping was fast (within a week or so) because the bottle is tiny (25ml) and the package came via air mail.

NOTE: I also purchased Biore UV Perfect Face Milk (30ml) and both are comparable in consistency and matte-finish.

The Biore is half the price of the Anessa, so in the future, I will likely stick with repurchasing the Biore instead.

Overall, a great sunscreen, though pricey compared to other Japanese brands with the same consistency and matte finish.

i have this one in its latest packaging, though not sure if it changed or not. this is a really good sunscreen to use for everyday life, it is thin milky fluid and i really love the fluid texture of foundations and sunscreens lately bc i like the lightweight feel in the daytime. this goes on really well under makeup, also its really good by itself, as it dries to a matte finish with no greasy feel during the course of the day, i have combo oily skin in summer so I really appreciate this. only thing i dont like is price bc it is expensive and also quite hard to find.

This is a very expensive sunscreen so I only reserve it for face use. I've use this sunscreen all year round and I've tried it over and under makeup up and I love it. The sunscreen it self is of a very liquidy texture and requires shaking before use.The product feels light on the skin and absorbs into the skin making application of other face products un-effected in application. The product is dispensed through a dropper like head and I find that helps me control how much product I use. Typically I use nine drops per use, dividing up my face into a imaginary 3 by 3 grid. Definitely will repurchase.

This is very expensive sunscreen. I like it better than my Neutrogena SPF70 ultra light. I cannot use the natural suncreen blockers due to allergies (Titanium Dioxide). Natural is not always safe; there are may natural items that are hazardous to your health.

It is very moisturizing glides on my skin doesn't make me greasy can is a great make up base.